POEM 1: Manila

Manila had always been too cruel,

smoke chokes the trees and thieves roam the city

while city life, ephemeral, sounds like traffic horns

blasting like a blatant reminder of life's solitude.

In Manila shines no stars as they hide behind the smog

and flickers only streetlights as guides, never spectacles.

Manila had always been too cruel, until they

took my hand, walked, screamed with me

and made me feel like this big city was never one

like this wasn't a tavern of thieves, but a house of hearts.

Manila once reminded me of sitting alone in Rizal Park,

writing poems about whatever crossed my mind.

But now that they crossed my path, Manila reminds me,

smiling, to write about those who've walked with me.

Written 18th April, 2022.

Poem copyright © 2022 by Peter Ryuken B. Hermosura, “Manila”

Author's Annotations

This poem was inspired when I went on a museum tour along with 16 of my STEM203 classmates on 12th February, 2022. I had never been with them before, but within just a few hours, we formed a formidable bond simply by strolling around the streets of Manila and observing inside the National Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History. I was moved by how fast people can make you feel like you belong, like you are part of a group even when you've always been so used to being alone. While Manila was a sea of people who had little to no connection, I found connection when I spent time with these people.

I dedicate this poem to those in this memorable picture.